Big, Ugly, and Impounded

The world’s biggest sailing yacht, which may also be the world’s ugliest sailing yacht, is now the world’s biggest impounded sailing yacht after the Italian police seized it due to sanctions related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The 470-foot Sailing Yacht A, which has a price tag of $578 million, is owned by Russian billionaire Andrey Igorevich Melnichenko who was placed on an EU sanctions list. The yacht, designed by Philippe Starck and built by Nobiskrug in Germany, has been sequestered at the northern port of Trieste.

Built in 2017, the yacht has a spa, elevator, gym and an underwater observation pod beneath its three masts, including 10 cabins with space for up to 20 guests. The police operations were part of a coordinated drive by Western states to penalize wealthy Russians they say are linked to President Vladimir Putin.

It’s not the first time that Melnichenko’s yacht has run into trouble. Authorities in Gibraltar briefly impounded the yacht in February 2017 due to a 15 million euro outstanding payment from Melnichenko to Nobiskrug. Two months later, an investigation was revealed due to the builder using illegally-logged teak from Myanmar.

Melnichenko, a wealthy industrialist who owned majority stakes in fertilizer producer Eurochem and coal energy firm SUEK, was sanctioned by the EU on March 9. The same day, he stepped down from his positions at both Eurochem and SUEK and withdrew as the beneficiary at both firms, according to his spokesperson.

“Andrey Melnichenko is an international self-made businessman, entrepreneur and investor in children’s education,” his spokesperson said in a statement addressing the sanctions. “He has no relation to the tragic events in Ukraine. He has no political affiliations.”

A meeting with Putin on February 24, which was when the Russia invaded Ukraine, was cited as a reason for imposing sanctions on Melnichenko.